https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-february-2026/

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet – February 2026

We are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.

Visitors to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status. From 25 February 2026 visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot travel to the UK, unless exempt.

Eligible visitors who take connecting flights (transiting) and go through UK passport control need an ETA. Those transiting through Heathrow and Manchester airports who do not go through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, including dual citizens.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app. Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA on GOV.UK

An ETA currently costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. Other application services may charge a higher fee than the UK Government.

As with all our fees the cost of an ETA is kept under review, and we intend to increase the cost of an ETA to £20 in the future. We will provide more information in due course.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.

How do people apply for an ETA? 

  • The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
  • Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app.
  • It is recommended that people apply for an ETA at least three working days in advance of travel, this is to take account of the small number of cases which may need further review.
  • To apply for an ETA, individuals need to:
    • Pay the fee
    • Provide contact and passport details
    • Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
    • Answer a set of suitability and criminality questions
  • Individuals must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for their ETA. 

Further information on how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK

How does an ETA help UK border security? 

  • Those applying for an ETA provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions on suitability and criminality. This increases our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and prevents the arrival of those who present a threat.   

What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?

  • If a person’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.
  • If a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.

How does ETA work in Northern Ireland? 

  • The UK does not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the Common Travel Area, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
  • However, everyone arriving in the UK, including those entering Northern Ireland, continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s Immigration Rules including obtaining an ETA if they are required.
  • British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
  • Legal residents of Ireland, from a nationality that does not usually need a visa to visit the UK (e.g. European and US nationals), do not need an ETA when traveling within the Common Travel Area (CTA), if they can show proof of legal residency. Full guidance on this can be found at GOV.UK

What do people do if they apply through a fraudulent website? 

  • We direct those eligible for an ETA to find out information about applying on the official GOV.UK website.
  • If someone believes they have been victim to an immigration internet scam, they should report it on GOV.UK
  • People can verify if they hold a valid ETA status using the Check My ETA service on GOV.UK.

How many people have applied for an ETA?

  • We publish data on the number of ETA applications grants and rejections on GOV.UK

What ETA means for dual British citizens

  • Dual British citizens are exempt from needing an ETA and from 25 February 2026 are expected to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. British passports can be renewed at GOV.UK
  • This is a requirement for all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the US, Australia and Canada.
  • In November 2025, we announced the enforcement of ETA from 25 February 2026, which included information about the requirement for dual citizens: No permission, no travel: UK set to enforce ETA scheme - GOV.UK
  • Further information for dual British citizens can be found on GOV.UK

Why are passport rules for dual citizens changing?

  • The UK is moving to a modernised ‘digital permission’ system where international carriers are required to confirm, through automated checks against Home Office records, that passengers have valid permission or status to travel to the UK. All carriers (e.g. airlines, maritime and rail) have now been equipped with the necessary tools to verify travel permission via automated digital checks with the Home Office.
  • We recognise that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, but we have been clear on requirements for dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, in line with those for all British citizens.
  • Public information strongly advising dual citizens to travel with a valid UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement has been available since October 2024, including official guidance on GOV.UK
  • We have delivered a comprehensive range of communications and engaged with an extensive network of stakeholders, including global carriers and operators. We have sent emails to those impacted we hold valid contact details for. And we have included information for dual citizens in our ETA communications campaign which has been running since 2023.

Can dual British citizens use alternative documents as proof of citizenship?

  • We recognise this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, and so we have provided additional temporary guidance to carriers on possible alternative documentation, including expired passports issued in 1989 or later and alongside a valid non-visa national third country passport where biographic details match. It is an operational decision whether carriers accept alternative proof, and if so, what alternative proof they will accept.
  • We strongly recommend that passengers should obtain a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to ensure the smoothest travel experience.
  • In line with current practice, on arrival at the UK border, Border Force will still assess a person’s suitability to enter the UK and conduct additional checks if required.

What happens if a dual British citizen needs to travel in an emergency?

  • Individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.

Further guidance on ETAs is available on GOV.UK